Her smile was sultry, promising. “Oh, I like the sound of that.”
“You just wait until I get you alone, Julia Moore.”
She laughed, and I took full advantage, letting my lips land right in the tempting spot on her throat. Her protests faded as my lips traveled down into the V of her dress then back up her neck to her mouth. She arched into me, hungry for my touch. And boy, oh boy, was I ready to touch her.
I asked, breathless, “How fast do you think you can eat?”
The look on her face was pained. “Not fast enough.”
We quietly laughed and Jules added, “We have to slow down and enjoy this reception for Sunny’s sake.”
“You’re right. For Sunny.” I studied her face, wanting to memorize this moment. Her dark eyebrows and unique blue were in perfect contrast with her lightly-tanned skin and shimmering smile. Her face shone with love, hope, joy. My vision of her blurred. I blinked a couple times and cleared my throat against the umpteenth surge of emotion.
Her own eyes got a little liquidy. “Oh, Pat.”
I shook my head in disbelief. “I never thought I’d be happy again, Jules.”
She nibbled her lip and blinked.
“But you—you are—” my words were choked off.
She moved her hands to my face, her own tears gathering now.
“—and Sunny.” I let go of her and ran a hand over my mouth, willing the tears away or I wouldn’t be able to go to lunch. The words were gone. Only intense overwhelm and gratitude remained.
She picked up where I left off, slipping her hands around my neck again. “We all got a second chance we weren’t expecting. We fought for each other.” Her hands fiddled with the hair on my neck. “I love you Patrick Moore. I’m with you to the end. Wherever this current takes us.”
“To the end.”
She whispered, “Kiss me one more time for the road.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
She drew a sharp breath as I let my hands skim her curves and settle on her waist. I obliged her, kissing her long and deep. It was perfect—a passionate tangling and mutual promise. I was with this woman come hell or high water. To river’s end and beyond. Jules made a precious whimpering sound then crumbled in my arms. I had to brace myself against the tree to hold the weight of us both.
“Hello? Anyone home?” Jack’s voice boomed as he walked through the backyard. Undoubtedly sent on a mission to find us. He rounded the corner, and Jules reared back, hastily wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. I replaced the strap of her dress, and she straightened my tie.
Jack rolled his eyes, feigning annoyance. “You two have a whole ten days in the tropics to do this. Food’s getting cold.”
We followed him back up the hill, albeit reluctantly.
Sunny was waiting for us on the deck. She slipped her hand into mine. “Dad, can I call Jules ‘Mom’ now? Or do I have to wait until I like officially move here and everything?”
“That’s up to you. And her.”
Sunny bounded over to Jules and grabbed her hand. She leaned in. Had Jules’ rapt attention. Jules pressed her lips together, and her brow furrowed with emotions. She nodded and they embraced. Jules held Sunny in her arms for a long moment, whispering something. When they parted, they both wiped tears out of their eyes, and Jules pressed a kiss to her forehead.
My family.
They found seats at the deck table, beautifully arranged for the occasion. Sunny turned, caught my gaze and patted the seat beside her. A smile tugged at my cheeks.
That right there was an offer I couldn’t resist.
EPILOGUE
Two summers later
“Stop! Stop!” Sunny is splashing and sputtering, her feisty spirit still no match for Pat’s. Pat laughs and the water sounds cease. They call a truce and I guess someone breaks it because a wallop of water breaks the silence and the laughter recommences. Even though my eyes are closed, I’m smiling. The melody of their voices dances on the summer breeze with the honeysuckle.
